An interesting side story from yesterdays practice: third year corner Chris Johnson returned to practice after unexpectedly being removed from the “Physcally Unable to Perform” (PUP) list.
Johnson was a 7th round draft pick out of Louisville in 2003, and was hands down the fastest player at the scouting combines. He clocked an astonishing 4.21 40 yard dash, and claimed he had once run it in 4.18 seconds. Compare this to the 4.34 that Michael Bennett of the Vikings ran (Bennett is widely considered to be the fastest man in the NFL). Johnson was having what was described as a “phenom” camp in ’03 when he suffered a season ending knee injury. He spent the next year recovering from surgerey and rehabilitating the knee, only to suffer a stress fracture on his leg in ’04. The stress fracture was a direct result of his rehabilitation.
This year the Packers didn’t take any chances and have held Johnson out to complete his strenghtening and conditioning. His return to practice is a welcome site and an indication that we may finally see what the kid can do. No one is sure how the injuries have affected his speed, or if he can remain healthy for an extended period of time, but I’m rooting hard for the kid. He’s a hard worker whose had some tough luck. I hope the football gods give him a break.
eMail me at samichlaus@sportsblogsteves.com
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